Ministry of SMEs and Startups

South Korea's SME ministry funds EU packaging rule compliance for exporters

South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups is offering up to USD 75,500 (KRW 100m) per company to help small exporters meet the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, covering 50-70% of certification, testing and consulting costs. At a forum on 20 October 2026, beauty, food and packaging firms cited testing costs and the burden of technical documentation; the ministry will run education and consultation sessions in five regional hubs from 16 to 25 November.

Why this mattersCompliance costs under PPWR are becoming a non-tariff barrier for smaller exporters into the EU, prompting a national government to subsidise certification and testing.

• Ministry of SMEs and Startups offers up to USD 75,500 (KRW 100m) per company for PPWR certification, testing and consulting
• PFAS and heavy-metal restrictions and conformity assessments have been phased in since 12 August 2026
• A separate programme for 100 SMEs, running since April 2026, covers up to 70 percent of costs, capped at USD 5,300 (KRW 7m) per company
• Recyclability and recycled-content requirements under PPWR phase in from 2030
• Regional PPWR education and consultation sessions run from 16 to 25 November 2026 in five hubs
• Applications for the overseas standards certification programme are open through 30 November 2026

Relevant to you? Yes No